Part 2 of 2 of an interview with Marty Machowski,
Author of The Ology
In the cellar of an old stone cathedral, two children discover an ancient book called The Ology. The beautifully illustrated storybook ushers them into a story of adventure, mystery, and wonder in which they discover life-changing truths about God, themselves, and the world around them. The first illustrated systematic theology book designed especially for grade-school children, The Ology (New Growth Press),written by Marty Machowski, includes built-in adaptations for use with younger or older children, so that entire families can enjoy learning about God together.
- A beginner’s book of systematic theology in the form of a beautifully illustrated storybook
- Clearly explains life-changing theological truths with everyday examples and simple language that kids can understand
- Takes abstract theological concepts and makes them easier to understand with the use of creative examples, illustrations, and analogies
- Designed for six-year-olds through preteens, with built-in adaptations for use with younger or older children, so that entire families can enjoy it together.
Q: You’ve said parents are teaching theology to their kids during everyday interactions. Can you share an example of what that looks like for you as you parent your children?
Every parent has gone through a season where one of our children repeats the same sin over and over again and doesn’t seem to be able to stop. Too often we’ll say something like, “How many times do I have to tell you to . . . speak to your sister kindly or take your shoes off at the door?” Instead of getting frustrated with a child who doesn’t seem to be able to obey, we need to recognize his or her consistent pattern of disobedience is an opportunity to show him or her just how much he or she needs Jesus and the Holy Spirit to help. The truth is he or she can’t obey on his or her own. It is only when our children learn to trust in the Lord that they can say no to sin. Teaching them about their sinful heart and their need for Jesus is teaching them theology.
Q: Tell us about the story that introduces young readers to The Ology.
I wanted to introduce the book in a creative way and help kids get excited about the importance of learning about God. I’m hoping the story draws the children in. We really have been handed a gift in the theology that has been passed down through the centuries. I really believe our culture is in danger of marginalizing theology and the study of God. Too many kids have given up reading for playing games on their personal electronics. My hope is to get kids excited about theology and help foster a love for the Word of God in their lives.
Q: How is this book designed to be read with younger children? What elements can be added for teens?
Younger children love pictures. I’d encourage parents to use the pictures with the younger children and try and discover how they connect to the story. So when they see a wrapped present in a manger, parents can ask, “Who do you think the present is supposed to be?” The answer, of course, is Jesus. The follow-up question is logical as well: “Why is Jesus like a present for us?”
Q: What makes The Ology unique from other books written for children?
I think most adults believe systematic theology is too difficult for young children, so there are not many books available to teach these concepts to grade-school children. There are great books for teens, but I’m not aware of another illustrated systematic theology for grade-school kids.
Q: You start The Ology with a beautiful dedication. Can you tell us who Carl Rausch was and how he influenced your faith?
Carl is my wife’s grandfather who lived to be 104 years old. He was the family patriarch, and I got to meet him just before he died during our engagement. In those few moments at his bedside, Carl wanted to make sure we dedicated our marriage to Christ and that “we always made room for Jesus in our home.” That is what The Ology is about. I hope this book honors the mission and passion demonstrated by Carl Rausch’s life. It was through his prayers and sharing of the gospel with his children and grandchildren that all of them trusted in Jesus Christ for their salvation.
Q: What is your favorite part of The Ology?
My favorite section is “The Ology of the End Times,”where I talk about Jesus coming again. I love the fact that the Bible tells us the end of the story – the part that is yet to come. Jesus wins in the end and puts an end to sin and death. While trusting in Jesus to have your sins forgiven, our real hope and longing is for his return, when heaven will be right here on earth. Jesus will recreate the earth, and we will enjoy him right here with majestic mountains, beautiful forests and gardens. We’ll live free of sickness and disease, and we’ll never tire of singing his praises.
Q: Why was a companion worship CD developed for The Ology, and how do you recommend parents use it?
Kids love music. For my last book, Prepare Him Room, a family Christmas devotional, I worked with my good friend Bob Kauflin and Sovereign Grace Music to put together a Christmas album families could use to bring the truths of the coming of Jesus into song. When I spoke to Bob Kauflin about The Ology, I discovered he wanted to do another children’s album that would help them sing about the great truths presented in scripture. Once children learn a song with truth-filled lyrics, they remember it for life.
For more information about The Ology, visit www.newgrowthpress.com. Also visit Marty Machowski’s online home at www.martymachowski.com and follow him on Twitter.